Uddhav, PM may not share stage at Magnetic Maha

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray may not share the stage at the “Magnetic Maharashtra” conference scheduled in February after the Sena’s recent decision to go it alone in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis may not invite Mr Thackeray for the inaugural function even as Sena leaders said that if Mr Thackeray is not seated next to PM Modi on the dais, he may not attend the function.

The state government has organised the “Magnetic Maharashtra” conference from February 18 to 20 at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), which will be inaugurated by PM Modi on February 18. Relations between the BJP and Sena haven’t been smooth, with the Sena having decided to go solo in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections. Mr Thackeray and Sena spokesperson and MP, Sanjay Raut, have been continuously attacking PM Modi, CM Fadnavis and the BJP. “Magnetic Maharashtra” is a government function and as per protocol, Mr Thackeray cannot share the stage with PM Modi as he does not have any government or constitutional post.

The “Magnetic Maharashtra” international conference has been organised by the industries department, a portfolio which is with Sena leader Subhash Desai. The BJP has reacted strongly after the Sena declared it will contest the upcoming elections independently. So, CM Fadnavis may not invite Mr Thackeray to share stage with PM Modi owing to protocol. While Mr Thackeray has not received any invitation yet, he will not sit among the audience if he is not allowed to share stage with PM Modi, said Sena sources.